Charlotte, NC, February 7, 2026
Charlotte’s uptown office market is experiencing significant growth thanks to a $317 million acquisition by Cousins Properties, an Atlanta-based real estate firm. This strategic investment highlights the demand for premium office spaces in the city. With 100% occupancy at the newly acquired 300 South Tryon building and an expected rise in commercial development, Charlotte is becoming a key player in the Sun Belt’s real estate landscape. Continued investment presents a positive outlook for local businesses and the job market.
Charlotte’s Uptown Office Market Sees Major Boost from Atlanta Investment
Charlotte’s vibrant uptown Charlotte continues to draw significant private investment, signaling robust confidence in the city’s future as a leading economic hub. A recent major acquisition by an Atlanta-based firm highlights the ongoing appeal of prime commercial real estate in the Queen City, underscoring strong demand in the office sector.
A Strategic Acquisition in the Heart of Charlotte
Cousins Properties, Inc., a real estate investment trust headquartered in Atlanta, recently expanded its presence in Charlotte by acquiring a prominent uptown office tower. This strategic move involved the purchase of the 300 South Tryon Street building for approximately $317 million. This acquisition marks Cousins Properties’ third office tower in Charlotte, demonstrating their long-term commitment to the market.
The 300 South Tryon building encompasses 638,000 square feet of office space and was completed in 2017. It is currently 100% leased, with Barings’ global headquarters occupying about 30% of the property. This level of occupancy reflects the enduring value of high-quality office spaces in key urban centers.
Uptown Charlotte: A Magnet for Real Estate Investment
The decision by Cousins Properties to invest further in Charlotte aligns with broader trends indicating a flourishing commercial real estate landscape. The company focuses its investments in urban infill and suburban markets across the Sun Belt region, including dynamic cities such as Atlanta, Austin, Charlotte, Nashville, Orlando, and Tampa. This focus underscores Charlotte’s position among the nation’s most attractive markets for commercial ventures and economic growth.
Private investment in such significant properties is often a powerful indicator of market health and future prospects. It suggests that investors perceive a stable and growing environment, where businesses are likely to thrive and expand. Such activity naturally benefits the broader Charlotte NC business community, from supporting local service providers to stimulating job creation.
Resilient Office Demand and Declining Vacancy Rates
Despite shifts in work patterns experienced nationwide, Charlotte’s office market has shown remarkable resilience and growth. Office demand in the Charlotte Metro area accelerated in the fourth quarter of 2025, following a five-year high for quarterly leasing activity in the third quarter of 2025. This upward trend signifies a return of optimism and increased activity in the local office sector. Furthermore, Charlotte’s office leasing activity in the fourth quarter of 2024 demonstrated significant momentum, increasing by 2.2% from the previous quarter and an impressive 51.6% year over year.
The annual leasing volume for 2024 reached 3.1 million square feet, marking a post-pandemic high. This strong performance is particularly notable in Class A properties, which have comprised the majority of leasing activity, reaffirming a clear tenant preference for premium-quality spaces. These statistics paint a picture of improving office fundamentals, with declining vacancy rates and growing demand, especially as many major companies nationwide are phasing out remote work arrangements.
Fostering Economic Prosperity Through Private Capital
The confidence shown by firms like Cousins Properties is a testament to Charlotte’s business-friendly environment and strategic advantages. As new construction starts for office spaces remain at minimal levels, the potential for a shortage of high-quality space is projected for 2028-2030, which further enhances the value of existing, prime assets. This dynamic creates a favorable landscape for property owners and encourages continued real estate investment.
Charlotte continues to solidify its reputation as one of the Southeast’s most active commercial real estate markets. The city benefits from a strong economy, consistent population growth, and an environment conducive to business. Since 2020, Charlotte’s population has grown by 20%, establishing it as the nation’s 7th fastest-growing large metro area. Moreover, North Carolina is recognized as the second most migrated-to state in the U.S., further bolstering Charlotte’s appeal. This influx of residents and businesses provides a robust foundation for enduring Charlotte small business success and overall prosperity.
Charlotte’s Future: Continued Growth and Opportunity
The urban core of Charlotte, encompassing Uptown, South End, and Midtown, is slated for substantial development, with an estimated $2.4 billion in new construction anticipated by 2027. This includes approximately 1,246,000 square feet of new office space, alongside residential, hospitality, and retail projects. Such planned development, combined with private acquisitions like that of 300 South Tryon, illustrates a city poised for continued expansion and opportunity.
Charlotte’s proactive approach to urban development, coupled with the foresight of private enterprises, fosters an ecosystem where innovation and achievement can flourish. The ongoing investment in high-quality commercial assets is a positive signal for the city’s trajectory, promising sustained growth and a dynamic future for all who call Charlotte home.
To further support Charlotte’s dynamic economy and foster a thriving community, we encourage residents and visitors to explore and engage with local businesses, entrepreneurs, and community initiatives. Your participation is vital in shaping Charlotte’s prosperous future.
Frequently Asked Questions About Charlotte’s Office Market
- What Atlanta firm recently purchased an uptown Charlotte tower?
- Cousins Properties, Inc., a real estate investment trust headquartered in Atlanta, recently purchased an uptown Charlotte tower.
- Which uptown Charlotte tower was acquired by Cousins Properties?
- Cousins Properties acquired the 300 South Tryon Street building in uptown Charlotte.
- What was the purchase price of the 300 South Tryon Street building?
- The 300 South Tryon Street building was purchased for approximately $317 million.
- What is the square footage of the 300 South Tryon Street building?
- The 300 South Tryon Street building encompasses 638,000 square feet of office space.
- What is the current occupancy status of the 300 South Tryon Street building?
- The 300 South Tryon Street building is currently 100% leased.
- What are the current trends in Charlotte’s office market demand?
- Office demand in the Charlotte Metro area accelerated in the fourth quarter of 2025, following a five-year high for quarterly leasing activity in the third quarter of 2025. Annual leasing for 2024 reached a post-pandemic high of 3.1 million square feet.
- How much new construction is expected in Charlotte’s urban core by 2027?
- The urban core of Charlotte is expected to see approximately $2.4 billion in new construction by 2027, including 1,246,000 square feet of office space.
Key Features of the 300 South Tryon Street Acquisition
| Feature | Detail | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Acquiring Firm | Cousins Properties, Inc. (Atlanta-based) | Charlotte, NC |
| Acquired Property | 300 South Tryon Street | Uptown Charlotte |
| Purchase Price | Approximately $317 million | Charlotte, NC |
| Building Size | 638,000 square feet | Charlotte, NC |
| Occupancy Status | 100% leased | Charlotte, NC |
| Building Completion Year | 2017 | Charlotte, NC |
| Firm’s Portfolio Focus | Urban infill and suburban markets across the Sun Belt (Atlanta, Austin, Charlotte, Nashville, Orlando, Tampa) | Sun Belt (Nationwide) |
| Charlotte Office Market Demand (Q4 2025) | Accelerated, following a five-year high for quarterly leasing activity in Q3 2025 | Charlotte Metro |
| Charlotte Population Growth (Since 2020) | 20% | Charlotte, NC |
| North Carolina Migration Ranking | Second most migrated-to state in the U.S. | State-level (Nationwide comparison) |
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Author: HERE Charlotte
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